LIFESTYLE
Ace photographer Gautam Rajadhyaksha’s second book Chehre was recently launched in Mumbai. He spoke to DNA about his experiences with legendary personalities.
Ace photographer Gautam Rajadhyaksha’s second book Chehre was recently launched in Mumbai. He spoke to DNA about his experiences with legendary personalities.
You were a chemistry teacher. What prompted you to take up photography?
I completed my BSc in chemistry from St Xavier’s College and went on to teach for two years. Through school and college, my family approached vocational guidance counsellors, who recommended that I switch to fine arts. However, I excelled in studies and even stood third in university, so everyone assumed vocational guidance tips were not suited for me. I was even offered a chance to do a PhD. Then, in 1974, I was asked to handle the photo services of Lintas.
Was that a turning point?
It brought me in close quarters with people like Vilas Bhende and Mittar Bedi. I got the opportunity to learn the technicalities and see some creative work. During that time, I bought my first camera — a Nikon Matt — which incidentally was worth two months’ salary. I took to weekend photography and experimented a lot. But I always wanted to write. Shobhaa De, an editor of a magazine back then, asked me to do a cover story on Anna Bredmeyer, and also write a story on advertising and the golden girl. Then, editors like Rauf Ahmed and Pritish Nandy began asking me to file pictures rather than write. In 1985, when I took over the Marathi entertainment magazine Chanderi, I began writing and doing photography.
When did you take to fulltime advertising photography?
In 1987, and my first campaign was with Tips and Toes, then Rexona and Lakme. People thought since I had worked with Lintas, I could use that experience since their finish was the best. But by then, I had had my fill of the slippery slopes and waterfalls of the Liril campaigns. However, I was lucky to be associated with the birth of a historic campaign and the growth of a product that became so popular.
You pioneered the modern form of film publicity photo stills. How did it happen?
At that time, the film Maine Pyar Kiya was about to be released. Director Sooraj Barjatya and Salman Khan asked me if I would take pictures for them. There’s been no looking back since. Until then, hoardings used to be painted by hand. Taking photographs was cheaper and today, we have vinyl. The first few films like Hum Aapke Hai Kaun and Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge revolutionised the world of film publicity campaigns.
Which have been your most memorable moments?
During Dil Toh Pagal Hai, I was shooting with Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor. Karisma took a mirror and gave some final touches to her makeup. SRK asked Madhuri whether she too wanted a last glimpse. She told SRK, “My mirrors are here,” and pointed to Mickey Contractor (make-up expert) and me. I was overwhelmed and quite shaken. Mickey told me to enjoy it because we would never get such a response again.
Both the books, Chehre and Faces, have documented remarkable personalities in this nation. What was it like working with them?
I was honoured to work with JRD Tata. In the one hour he gave me, he talked about French wines, ski slopes, photography and various issues. He told me he felt photography was an important art because it documented the development of a nation and that he had personally requested Indira Gandhi, the then prime minister, to not charge duty on cameras.
Then there was the chief of staff of the Indian Army, Sam Manekshaw. I asked him whether he had ever been ordered to take over a territory. He revealed that only once, when Indira Gandhi had asked him to take over Bihar. Manekshaw wanted politicians to be flushed out and Gandhi said that wasn’t possible in a democracy.
Basically, I would build a rapport with them and they, in turn, gave me insights into their lives. Like in the case of Dilip Kumar, I asked him whether he lost out on the role in Pyaasa. He admitted he had. The role was sad and the psychiatrist had asked him to do lighter roles because serious work would lead to depression.
You’re one of the few to capture all the Mangeshkar siblings in one frame…
I’ve had some of my best experiences shooting the Mangeshkars, especially the two sisters, Lata didi and Asha tai. There is healthy competition but the initial years of poverty have kept the five siblings together like a clenched fist. You don’t see those qualities in the next generation.
How would you rate them in front of the camera?
Lata didi is a born model. She is at ease in front of the camera. Asha tai, initially, was not used to posing, dressing and would be extremely conscious. And like her subtle singing, didi never poses, but the poise can be such that you simply keep clicking.
What makes Madhuri Dixit-Nene so special to a photographer’s eye?
Madhuri has a supremely beautiful face, perfectly placed eyes, a wonderful mouth and small nose. Her body is proportionate, although not waif-like. She is a director’s actor. I have put her in ice, made her sit on watermelons, made her go around in circles over a hundred times; without wincing, she has done it all. She has that quality about her.
Your favourite male muse?
Without a doubt, Salman Khan. He has brought in a new languorous style and he is so poised, in addition to possessing a fine dress sense. I only have to tell him the visual I have in mind and he does something beyond what I have conceived. I don’t see that in too many people.
Your experience with Sachin Tendulkar?
It is so easy for a man to behave like a god, but it is so difficult for a man-made god to behave like a human, and that’s what Sachin does. He talks a dime and dozen, and connects everything to cricket. I’ve told him he acts better than many actors, but he is not comfortable doing it. When I told him to flick a ball in the air, so that I could click a photo when it was at eye level, he did it 120 times. He didn’t take his eyes off the ball.
UP Court summons Rahul Gandhi on March 24 over 2022 remarks against Army
Indian consulate in Marseille to strengthen 'people-to-people ties': PM Modi
India’s Top 5 Richest YouTubers: Know who’s earning more than Samay Raina and Ranveer Allahbadia?
Mukesh Ambani, Sunil Mittal are working to revolutionise mobile calling in India by...
DNA TV Show: UP CM Yogi Adityanath's multi-level plan for Maghi Purnima
Tejasswi Prakash reveals why she joined Celebrity MasterChef: 'I am obsessed with...'
Delhi-NCR schools holiday: Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, schools closed tomorrow due to...
'We can teach children AI but...': Sudha Murty urges govt to provide funds to schools to promote...
THIS startup gives whopping bonus to employees for loyalty, they get Rs...
JEE Main 2025 Toppers List Released: Meet 14 candidates who scored 100 percentile this year
JEE Main Result 2025 DECLARED: Get direct link, steps to check NTA score and other details HERE
SHOCKING! Noida family held under ‘digital arrest’ for 5 days, loses Rs 1 crore to cyber fraud
Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna shoot for Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar in Mumbai, pictures get leaked
Why are hobby classes integral to Podar International School’s curriculum in Khopoli?
Mukesh Ambani buys Rs 6437604000 stake in THIS cricket team, not Mumbai Indians
World's richest man Elon Musk loses Rs 789330000000 in four days, net worth slips below Rs...
'Need global standards': PM Modi pushes for AI governance at Paris AI Summit
Ashutosh Rana slams Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan-starrer Adipurush: 'Audiences will not accept...'
Ahead of PM Modi-Donald Trump meet, India considers cutting tariffs on THESE items imported from US
Communication platforms are fast evolving into super apps
Mumbai Police reaches Ranveer Allahbadia's home in connection to India's Got Latent controversy
Junaid Khan says Aamir Khan, Reena Dutta spent ‘ridongculous’ amount on his...
Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant's warm gesture towards kid wins internet, watch viral video
Ajith Kumar recalls 'bad crash’ ahead of Portugal race: ‘When I crashed...'
India's Got Latent episode feat Ranveer Allahbadia blocked after government orders
Samay Raina performs in Seattle, enjoys with friends amid Ranveer Allahbadia controversy
Good news for Gautam Adani as Adani stocks rally up to 4.5% due to Donald Trump's this BIG move...
Amid rumours of dissent, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal holds meeting with Punjab CM Mann, MLAs in Delhi
Woman makes 'Valentine edition parantha' for husband, netizens amused, watch viral video
How cashless treatment and telemedicine are transforming health insurance plans in India?
Top 3 astrologers of India: Newly updated list of 2025
A complete guide to documents needed for a personal loan
Mitolyn Reviews and Complaints - Mitolyn Supplement - Mitolyn Reviews Consumer Reports
Muslim wedding card goes viral for THIS bizarre reason, leaves netizens amused, check here
Surat: School students parade luxury cars to celebrate farewell, probe underway, watch viral video
Elon Musk offers this huge amount to buy ChatGPT maker OpenAI, Sam Altman says 'no thank you but...'
Pune: Pakistani currency note found in housing society near National Defence Academy; probe on
YouTube removes Ranveer Allahbadia's controversial video after Modi government's notice
Here's why Not Like Us singer Kendrick Lamar won't get paid for Super Bowl Halftime Show performance
Meet Samay Raina, creator of India's Got Latent, accused of promoting vulgarity, he is from...
Bank Holiday February 2025: Banks to remain closed in THIS state today due to...
Donald Trump issues BIG warning to Hamas, says 'all hell will break out' if...
Anil Ambani's RCap buy: Hinduja Group firm set to acquire debt-ridden Reliance Capital by THIS date
Meet man, MBA graduate from Harvard, who leads one of world’s big tech firms as CEO, he is...
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway opens, check travel time, toll fee and more
What happens during Snow Moon and when does it appear? Check dates and when to see
‘RBI’s gold buying is...’: FM Nirmala Sitharaman talks about rising gold reserves by central bank
Meet the Muslim king all set to challenge Donald Trump over Gaza, he is from...